Audiobook Review: The Island by Elin Hilderbrand

Here is a summary of The Island from the Hachette website:

Birdie Cousins has planned a getaway with her daughter Chess on rustic, charming Tuckernuck Island off the coast of Nantucket, a chance to bond before Chess's upcoming marriage. Birdie's been through a difficult divorce herself, so she knows the big commitment that marriage entails. She's only recently dared to tiptoe back into the waters of romance.

When Chess abruptly breaks off the wedding and her fiancé shockingly dies in a rock climbing accident, it leaves Chess feeling guilty and deeply depressed. Birdie circles the wagons, convincing her younger daughter Tate, and her own sister India to join them on Tuckernuck for the month of July. Secrets and intrigue soon make their way to the surface, as Elin Hilderbrand once again weaves a masterful story of summer suspense.

My Review:
I really enjoyed this audiobook that brought me into the lives of these women that found themselves needing to rely on each other as they were dealing with their own personal problems within their lives.  When they decide to go spend a month on the island of Tuckernuck at the family's summer home that barely has running water and no electricity, they really have no idea how much stronger their family bond will become.

Birdie is the divorced mother of both Chess and Tate, who really has never wanted for anything in her lifetime.  She has led a very fortunate life married to Grant Cousins, a successful lawyer, but found herself unhappy in the relationship as she was emotionally abandoned.  While Grant put all of his time into his career, his family life deteriorated before he knew it and his marriage ended in divorce.

Birdie tried to move on with her life as she is starting a relationship with a gentleman as this novel begins.  Even though Birdie is trying to take control of her own life she also wants to try to take care of her daughters in a way that she didn't in the past.  As Chess's upcoming marriage falls apart Birdie decides this is a good time to head to Tuckernuck for a little vacation.  Birdie is surprised when Chess accepts her invitation to go on vacation with her, but is even more surprised when her other daughter Tate calls her asking if she can go too!  Birdie is ecstatic with the possibilities of this girls vacation that lies ahead, but is also a little nervous about it so decides to ask her sister India to join them.  Wow, are we in for a ride!

Their little vacation on Tuckernuck grows into a month long hiatus for these ladies and as we are there with them, day in and day out, we get to learn their secrets, hopes, and fears.  We learn the reason for Chess's broken engagement and why Tate has never had a true romance within her life.  Although Birdie and India are older they learn about each other in a new way. As they discover things about each other they also learn new things about themselves that help them appreciate life in a whole new way.

This was a wonderful audiobook that gave me such a vivid picture of what Tuckernuck must look like.  Denise Hicks did a great job narrating by giving a believable voice and attitude to each of the characters.   I found that I didn't want their vacation to end because I didn't want to leave Tuckernuck either!  With themes of love, family bonds, and carefree living this book is great for both a book club discussion and to bring along on vacation.  I highly recommend this book.

My Rating:  4/5

Disclosure:  This book was provided to me by Hachette in exchange for an honest review.

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